THE QUOTA OF KILLABLE BACHELORS. 111 
LAGOON ROOKERY. 
For the whole number of pups counted, and the area covered is varied enough to 
be typical, we find that there has been a decrease of 11.8 percent. By reference to the 
count on Lagoon rookery, however, it will be seen that instead of a decrease since 1896 
there has been an increase of 3 per cent. This increase is apparent rather than real 
for both the number of cows and the number of harems present on this rookery in 
the height of the season had decreased. As a matter of fact we know that the 
count of Lagoon rookery for 1896 was much less accurate than that for 1897 because 
in the latter year it was made under more advantageous conditions. Weare convinced, 
therefore, that the count of 1896 is somewhat in error. 
If we drop Lagoon rookery from the calculation the percentage of decrease, as 
shown by our count of pups, rises practically to 15 per cent. We do not insist upon 
this, and are willing to abide by the figure of 12 per cent which the completed count 
shows. The difference between 12 per cent and 15 per cent is immaterial. The fact 
remains that by the count of pups, which is the surest basis of knowledge as to the 
condition of the herd, the birthrate, and consequently the -herd of breeding females, 
has suffered since the season of 1896 a decrease which can not be less than 12 per 
cent, and which we have good reason to believe is as high as 15 per cent. 
THE QUOTAS OF 1896 AND 1897. 
There remains one further element of comparison between the seasons of 1896 
and 1897 to complete the proof of the decline in the fur-seal herd. This is the com- 
parison of the quotas of the two years. 
THE QUOTA OF 1896 FIXED. 
In 1896 30,000 skins were obtained, the quota being fixed at that figure. It is 
probable that a few thousand more killable seals could have been taken had the quota 
been an indefinite one. On the other hand, however, a number of 2-year-old seals 
were taken, which to a certain extent anticipated the quota of 1897. To the best of 
our knowledge these two elements in the quota of 1896 balance one another, and we 
may consider its total as fairly representative of the hauling grounds of that year. 
THE QUOTA OF 1897 INDEFINITE. 
In 1897 the quota was left without definite limit to secure the utmost product of 
the herd, the rookeries being already grossly overstocked with male life so far as the 
need for breeding purposes was concerned. The driving was therefore done more 
thoroughly and continued for a longer period, extending until the 10th of August, 
whereas in 1896 it was terminated on the 27th of July. To make the conditions sur- 
rounding the quota of 1896 and 1897 clear, we may here insert the statistics regarding 
the killings of the two seasons. 
